Is the Linnea Lomax case closed? The question is valid because police in Sacramento and El Dorado County have confirmed that the 19-year-old UC Davis student is missing voluntarily. The coed vanished on June 26th, after being pressured to check herself into a mental health facility, but before her family came to pick her up, she vanished. This is a strange case that just reeks of suspicion and that is in no way stretching for "entertainment value" like some people may want to believe. The disappearance of this young woman is shaping up to be not much of a mystery at all, and the desperation of the family seems to not be as much for her actual safety as it is just wanting her back in the home where they believe she belongs, to be honest.
CBS Sacramento quoted the following:
The Sacramento Sheriff's department says it has done its due diligence in trying to find Linnea, but they believe she is choosing to stay away from friends and family.
The case has been pushed over to El Dorado County Sheriff's Department because the young woman is a resident of the county, not Sac. So do the Sacramento authorities feel that their job is over? What if there's still a chance that this young woman was abducted? People don't like that theory, nor do some people appreciate reading about the very likely theory that the woman is suicidal, but that is also theoretically possible.
Linnea Lomax is described as an overachiever who had a sort of "mental breakdown" while studying for finals. However, the Sutter mental health facility gave her a clean bill of health before releasing her. In the midst of her disappearance it seems that emotions are running high, and there are people on the search for her that seem to think the world isn't big enough for others who aren't interested in prayer and giving money away. Do donations help in searches for a woman who simply does not want to be found? No. Do prayers help in the searches for a woman who doesn't want to be found? Again, no.
This Facebook page appears to be the source of many abusive members who have commented all over the net in regards to this case. It appears that any post about this young woman that doesn't direct people to donate or volunteer to pray for her get the nasty sides of the members of this page. It's a shame that there are people who continue to perpetuate the bullying that can happen in these high-profile cases, and even more disappointing that they are still claiming the missing woman is "vulnerable/at risk" even though El Dorado County Sheriff's Dept. have simply stated that she is missing and doesn't want to be found. Yet, repeating the words of the police and other media sources in this case attracts the wrath of these members who only want their agendas published.
This is counterproductive and feels almost as though their interests only lie in seeking attention, when this is a universally mutual effort at finding a missing woman. Now it just seems like the case is closed because she doesn't want to be found. Are they going to continue soliciting donations and volunteer help regarding a woman who simply does not want to be around her family? She is an adult, not a teenage girl. This makes as much as as seeking help to retrieve a an adult roommate who wants to live in a new apartment, doesn't it? That's just an opinion, and it appears that it's a rightful one to have.
At any rate, do you blame this girl for disappearing? It's been worded in several reports that her family removed her from college and "put her" into the mental health facility. She was given a "clean bill of health" so obviously these actions were probably out of exaggeration. It's possible that she isn't the one with problems, but perhaps those who are trying to control her. That's just an observation, but hopefully more facts about this young woman's disappearance come to light so as to put a stop to the speculation -- and there is plenty to be had!
Crime analyst and profiler Chelsea Hoffman can be found on The Huffington Post, Chelsea Hoffman: Case to Case and many other outlets. Follow @TheRealChelseaH on Twitter or click here to contact Chelsea directly.
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Comments: 37
You have also passed judgement on and slandered this family because of your hate for their religion. That's called bashing. I've included Wikipedia's meaning of the term incase you don't understand.
Bashing is a harsh, gratuitous, prejudicial attack on a person, group or subject. Literally, bashing is a term meaning to hit or assault, but when it is used as a suffix, or in conjunction with a noun indicating the subject being attacked, it is normally used to imply that the act is motivated by bigotry.[citation needed] The term is also used metaphorically, to describe verbal or critical assaults. Topics which attract bashing tend to be highly partisan and personally sensitive topics for the bashers, the victims or both. Common areas include religion, nationality, sexuality and politics.
Most likely you have greatly added to the pain of a family in their darkest hour. Congratulations!
But here's where I feel like crossing the line a little: My intuition tells me there's something not right here. The family's secrecy, their odd instructions on what to do when Linnea is spotted, the constant stream of bible scripture quotes and chanting, the reference to "confirmed sightings" (like we saw Bigfoot or something). I can't shake the creepy feeling that this girl has escaped a cult-like group made up of family and "friends" and they are desperately trying to regain control over her. Honestly, if I saw Linnea, I'd probably tell her to keep running.
Pay attention.
I didn't say that. I don't think Ms. Hoffman said that, either. In fact, I don't think anyone said that. Are you, perhaps, replying on the wrong thread, Robin?
When someone has a mental breakdown, they don't think straight. When they aren't on their medication, they're even worse. That's why Linnea has been acting up. I'm not going to comment any more or anything. The family is going through an extremely tough time right now, so I ask you to please stop posting about this. No matter if you or I are right, this is the last thing Linnea or her family need right now.
you're assumptions on someone being "a family that no one would want to run away from" and "when someone has a mental breakdown they don't think straight" are obviously out of a lack of knowledge on several levels.
1. No matter how 'nice' a family or a person may seem, there is the public face and the family face. You truly do not know how this family is, and neither do I.
2. OCD and anxiety is far from a mental breakdown, and far from a reason to pressure someone into mental health facilities -- again, thinking that THIS is why she ran off. It doesn't look like the pressure was all with her schooling but her home environment.
3. Again, for the millionth time -- if you don't like what you're reading, don't read it. It's ridiculous to try to dictate the actions of others, Kyle. I don't understand why the little group involved in this search are so adamant about trying to silence the thoughts and opinions of anyone who brings up the OBVIOUS in this case.
I am starting to think that Kara Fetch's comment (above) holds more weight than once thought.
You're supposed to be a reporter, right? Then I don't see the need to actually type "*eye roll*".
Since you claim my arguments are based off a "lack of knowledge", let's look at your "lack of knowledge" in your arguments.
1. Linnea's family pulled her out of school because she was extremely stressing out about finals. They could have left her in and let her figure out how to rid of her stress, but they didn't. If you asked the average person, they would say that was an act of love, concern, and care. All of the facts that are public are supporting the majority's case that the family is a loving family that didn't drive Linnea away. Since you have no actual proof that they drove her away, and you're only assuming they did, you cannot say that we are wrong. If you can find proof to back up your claim, I would be happy to listen to you.
2. Again, you have no proof that pressure was coming from her home. Is it likely? Sure! I have no problem admitting that. But there is no proof, only assumptions. Her closest friends, and her family, have said she broke down. To play the assumption game- do you believe that a mental health facility would treat let alone admit someone who only had OCD and anxiety? That seems a little severe, especially since millions of people have OCD and anxiety, and they are fine and are able to be in school just fine.
3. You are right about the first part- I don't have to read what I don't like. And you know, I probably shouldn't even be commenting. But I feel that when someone is making assumptions based of little or no evidence and facts, I need to point out the fallacies. The "little group" is nearing 1000 volunteers strong. The real "little group" is the half-a-dozen people who think the family drove her away. I'll say it again, when all the facts are supporting everyone else's case, the only "OBVIOUS" thing here is that there is a lack of evidence supporting your case. Assumptions rarely work.
Instead, you've made your own fallacies. Go figure. lol.
Again, read the other sources on this case. Hell, the ones I have linked share her diagnoses. Or would you rather just play your own assumption game while you berate someone who apparently has more knowledge of these kinds of cases than you? I'm an excellent judge of character, Kyle. So far you're only proving that right and you're not doing much of anything to prove your fallacy case. 0_o
and yes *eye roll," a big, fat exaggerated *eye roll* just for you. From this BLOGGER/ANALYST straight to you. (not reporter.. learn your terminology and things will go MUCH smoother)
I mean, what are people going to do when they find her? Throw a blanket over her and abduct her, and drag her back to her parents?
All I am saying is there is probably more reason to this disappearance than we are all aware.
http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8116144
Are you guys (kyle and his ilk) going to join the forum and bully these posters into changing their opinions? Bully them into not posting? I think not.
If you note, many on this thread share Chelsea's viewpoint. Below (in quotes) is one reader's views on the father and, I must admit, this has been hovering in my mind the first time I watched him (and his wife and other daughter) on video:
"Okay, that's it, I'm gonna say it-- I think the dad has some hink on him. The way he positions himself with his women (yes, I meant to sound that way) seems very controlling. Not only that, his wife and younger daughter have a far away look in their eyes that makes me think of dissociation.
Take a close look at the still pic in the dailymail article (before playing the video)... It bothers me, and I've seen the same thing in every pic he's had with his "girls." Now, notice in the video that he's really the only one (other than the Friend) who is animated.
I will just say, I hope there's not some abuse in that home that outsiders aren't aware of. I really get the feeling, this morning, that Linnea may have broken free of something her mother and sister remain embroiled in. JMO"
Sadly, many (most) people refuse to acknowledge that any wrongdoing is going on with people that they "know", and will swear on their lives that any suggestion of same is horrendous. (Think Sandusky among those in our recent radar.) Whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, abuse is all around us and, many times, right under our noses.
Isn't it odd that with all the "confirmed sightings" of this girl within a very small radius, that the over 750 people actively scouring the area cannot put their hands on her? Could it be that these "confirmed sightings" are just a cover up because something very bad has already happened to this girl? It's certainly worth looking into and if the police haven't already considered this, don't you think it's time they did? We want to find Linnea, don't we? All options need to be explored.
Knowing they own some jesus camp doesn't help much either..
All of which leads me to wonder if we have another WBC type group who are seeking one of their missing flock. A member who does not want to be found for her own reasons. Just wondering, such rhetoric does that to me.
I sincerely hope that the young lady is indeed safe and eventually finds what she is looking for in life.
tis why I blow off the foaming-at-the-mouth attacks of these "new members"
1) having worked in residential homes of teens (legal adults, but still teens) with various mental health issues.
You seem to be insinuating that the young lady has a known mental illness and/or is suffering from some form of mental instability. If you know something factual, then you should openly state so in your comment. Otherwise, you appear to be making unfounded accusations as a means by which to confuse the issue of the young lady's right to remain incognito.
2) job to help guide our children to better emotional places so they can make stronger and healthier choices.
By this statement, it would seem that you are trying to have readers view the 19 year old young lady as being in reality, a young adult with a child's mind who requires continuous guidance from her family and community.
3)Regardless of why Linnea is missing, I think we all agree she is at risk.
If you are refering to the people of the young lady's community, that may be true. But for me, since two separate police agencies have investigated the incident and both independently coming to the same concusion that there is no danger, she is safe, missing of her own free will and for them, the matter is closed, then for me, there is no risk.
4) As to Craig, when I met him I too thought he was different than some one I had met before.
First impressions can sometimes be deceiving, however, it would appear that only those within his group of supporters find him to be normal. All others seem to find him to be somewhat suspiciously different that most fathers.
5) I have seen the far away look in the mother's eyes before.
By your own statements, even you, a close friend of the family, admittedly finds that there is something amiss with this family, although you try to gloss it over with further non applicable rhetoric.
6) Linnea comes from a religious family and there will be religious overtones naturally.
I have in one of my work environments, encountered many religious families who have turned to private prayer in times of dispair and strife. However, I have always found such dogmatic religious espousing by family, friends and associates, as has been expressed in the above comments, to mean that there is a stronger than normal religious doctrine at the root of such constant profession of faith.
Your impute into the discussion, confirms for me, my previous suspicions that you and those of your group, have ulterior motives for posting comments to the article. Motives which have nothing to do with the concern nor safety of Linnea, but all to do with the sanctum of the group.
I just have no words for these people anymore! It's like they are totally oblivious to even their own behaviors and statements!
It would appear that Nancy had second thoughts about her comments and withdrew both the posted comment and herself from the discussion.
It is obvious that you are not very familiar with mental illness or the laws we have related to mental illness. I speak from experience. Almost two decades of directly caring for a family member with mental illness. You have no idea how ignorant, cruel and without compassion your posts are to the mentally ill and their families.
Ask yourself this question. If you or a loved one was in a mentally delusional state where you became paranoid and fearful of the people who love and care about you and you decide to become homeless, walk the streets (vulnerable to all the dangers associated), and heard voices that told you to commit suicide or hurt others and you have no power to get out of this delusional state, what would you want others to do for you? Anyone in their right mind would want their families and friends to help them. No one wants to be on the streets, cold, hungry and vulnerable especially in a delusional state. The Lomax family obviously loves their daughter very much.
Unfortunately, we have laws that are "supposed" to "protect" civil liberties of the mentally ill, so that they are "free" to be homeless, cold, hungry and vulnerable even if they show signs of mania or delusion. Why and how have we become a society that just walks right past a obviously delusional homeless person on the street without any shock or concern to do anything.
The laws we have currently in my opinion are not compassionate or reasonable. Many mentally ill patients are incapable of knowing or recognizing their illness. That is why their delusions are the truth and reality to them. The current laws basically say that unless they try to physically harm someone, there is no way to get any help for them unless they want to get help. But obviously, as explained earlier, they are unable and unwilling to receive help because of their delusions and paranoia.
The fact that we have to wait until a mentally ill person is so delusional that they have to harm someone or them self, I don't think is fully understood by the public. Imagine having a mentally ill family member who talks to imaginary voices all day, throws out unopened, perfectly good food because they believe it is poisoned, says unkind nasty things, butchers household goods with a knife or hammer because of their delusions, the list can go on and on... but, unless they tried or succeeded in butchering a human being, they cannot be forced to get help no matter how bazaar or crazy their delusions are. It literally feels ridiculous and unreal. A mentally ill person can go for months and years exhibiting and hiding these symptoms before they break down completely.
I hope Linnea returns home safe. No can say for sure what her mental state is right now, but we all know that what her parents are doing the right thing. What parent wouldn't want to confirm that their child is safe and healthy especially under these circumstances.
An article titled "When my crazy father finally lost his mind" on the New york times is a must read for everyone. Mental illness can happen to anyone.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/24/magazine/when-my-crazy-father-actually-lost-his-mind.html?pagewanted=all
I realize by writing this article you are exercising your rights as an American and a journalist to share your opinion. That is one of the joys of internet blogging, that we can share our viewpoint with the rest of the world. However, just be aware that the things you are saying are likely tremendously painful for those who love or care about this girl to read.
As a student of journalism myself, when writing an editorial, I was always urged to strongly consider and be prepared to write a complete rebuttal of my own argument, so that I was aware of the full facts of any story, any view, any opinion. I realize it is your right to say what you want, but I ask you to consider the other side of what you are saying, and to consider what you are making her parents out to be, people who love her very much. People who just days before she went missing were trying to keep her from killing herself. Imagine what that might be like for a parent.
Also, as a journalist I always like to ask myself why I am writing a story. It's your right to do what you wish, certainly, and we all respect that. But for what purpose do you write this article? If perhaps you were wronged by someone on her facebook page, I can understand that you might be slightly upset and offended enough to write badly about these people. But please just think clearly about these things before you write, because the words you post here have a profound affect on all who will ever read them, and that effect can be for the good or the bad.
A devoted reader
Food for thought.